Conditions of Play

The main feature for all our play will be conducted under the theme of Etiquette which includes Pace of Play, Course Care, Safety and Consideration of Others.

The Rules of Golf will apply and all players will be subject to these and any Local Rules set down by the match committees past and any laid down by the current committee. The match committee will be that published in the current directory of Palm Beach Golf Club and any other member/officer appointed by that committee.

All players should conduct themselves in a manner demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times.

Unacceptable behaviour is not just restricted to the course but also all areas of the Club premises and surrounds which includes:

Pace of Play

It is common knowledge that slow play detracts from the enjoyment of the game. Whilst players are not expected to ‘run’ around the course, they should be aware that there are others on the course at the same time and therefore, should act with common sense and courtesy towards those players.

A group of 4 players should take no longer than 4 hours to play an 18-hole round.

A group’s position is in relation to the group in front, not the group behind.

The Bundy clock will be used to measure time and each player will be required to register at the start and end of each nine holes.

In an effort to increase pace of play Palm Beach will play hit ready golf. This designed to stop groups walking together in a manner that prevents the completion of a hole within the prescribed time.
Specifically:

~ Walk directly and at good pace to your ball.
~ Play a provisional ball if your ball may be lost outside a hazard or out of bounds or you do not see it land.

A TIME OF NO MORE THAN 5 MINS IS ALLOWED TO SEARCH FOR A LOST BALL.

Prescribed time for Playing

In the interest of all, players have an obligation to play at a reasonable pace.
Rule 6-7 governs in the event of slow play and the Committee may establish pace of play guidelines to help prevent slow play, in accordance with Note 2 to Rule 6-7 which advises:

For the purpose of preventing slow play, the Committee may, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1), establish pace of play guidelines including maximum periods of time allowed to complete a stipulated round, hole or strokes. In stroke play competitions, the Committee may, in such a condition, modify the penalty for breach of this Rule as follows: There can also be additional penalties imposed.

First Offence – One stroke;
Second offence – Two strokes.
For subsequent offence – Disqualification”

Mobile Phones

No mobile phones will be allowed to be turned on unless permission is first obtained from the match committee or representative. Penalty for breach is Match Play – loss of hole, Stroke two strokes.

Distance Measuring Devices

Only distance measurement devices approved by the R & A or Local Rules can be used. The use of a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect a player’s play (e.g. gradient, wind speed, temperature, etc) is not permitted. E.g. mobile phones with the feature included as an application cannot be turned on. Penalty – Disqualification.

If a player consistently disregards these guidelines during a round or over a period of time to the detriment of others, the Committee WILL take appropriate disciplinary action against the offending player.

Such action may, for example, include, suspension, prohibiting play for a limited time on the course or in a certain number of competitions. This is considered to be justifiable in terms of protecting the interests of the majority of golfers who wish to play in accordance with these guidelines.

In the case of a serious breach of etiquette, the Committee may disqualify a player under Rule 33-7.